America: 27th May 2017

I moved the new table to the corner and set up my computer on it this morning.
Today we had an appointment at another apartment complex that is a little bit further out but not too bad really. Its about a 30 minute walk to the university and is a bit closer to Walmart. The complex was called Toscana. We were seen by the leasing agent who had Sabines information. He lined up a 1 bedroom flat for us. It was almost exactly the same price as what we are paying for now in our studio flat but the square footing was 939 square feet, which is actually DOUBLE than what we have now. He took us around the site to show us the perks that would be included. Simply put: Outstanding. There was a huuuge lounge area where residents can go that has free wifi. I saw a student using it for his work. It reminded me of the type of massive space you would get in an academic  library. It even had closed rooms for if you wanted to hang out in complete silence. Next there was an outside swimming pool which was 25m in length, perfect for me! This even comes complete with locker facilities. There was even a Jacuzzi, gym and sauna. Next the guy showed us around to a flat that would be the same size footing as the one that we would be having. It was massive!!!! HUGE even. More than enough for everything we could need. After that he took us (via a golf buggy) to see our proposed flat from the outside. The view wasn't perfect but to be honest I'm really not bothered. The living conditions would be ideal as it is. We agreed to proceed with the place. Its such a no brainer.
We walked back home and ate our lunch. Sabine filled in an online form for Toscana but got stuck. I have to say at this point that a LOT of apartment complexes out here require you to prove a lot of information. It was nearly impossible to even get the place we are now because everyone looks at how much you are earning, and if you don't have the income, you don't get the flat. But now that we are here in America, and have an American bank account, it becomes slightly more doable. Sabine wisely decided that we should walk back there with all our documents and paperwork. We had to wait a while but were seen by the same guy. In fact when we walked back into the office he saw it was us and said right away that he had some good news for us. We had to wait in the residents lounge area but he saw us and took us back to the office where all our paperwork came in really useful. He dealt with us and was tinkering away at his computer and it started to dawn on me that maybe we might stand a chance after all? After he was done he said that we most probably have passed the clearance system to get the flat. Oh my god really?! He did say though that the final decision is with his manager that is in the office on tuesday. I really really hope so. In this place we have seen a much better flat for the money where you actually get your moneys worth. So yeah Its a no brainer. We technically haven't signed anything for the one bed apartment at Ambrose that we agreed too last week. In fact that isn't much of a deal breaker. We had to do that last week because our future isn't set in stone and we have to prepare. Even today with this new flat, its preparing for a future. Its not even impossible that Sabine does well with her applications for Australia and we end up ditching America altogether, but you cannot rely of 'Maybes'. Never. If we did rely on a 'maybe', the possibility of being kicked out on the street is very high indeed.
After Toscana, we walked the very short walk to the wetlands and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon there. It really is a great little place to go for a walk. Sabine loved taking pictures of all the cuties around. She adores the egrets and herons. e even saw 3 pelicans today and Osprey Eagles circling around. Also Monarch butterflies are present. Not to mention our "buzz buzz" hummingbirds.
After that we walked along the main university road to Albertsons, the superstore. I love how all of a sudden I'm getting used to the area and getting to places just by guessing. We bought Ice cream as it was relatively inexpensive. As we have the computer now set up on a table, I'm hoping to watch some Once Upon A Time tonight with rocky road ice cream! :P
I took Alex's advice to heart today and decided to have my phone on flight mode but with wifi turned on. Sure enough, the battery was fine. It seems the culprit to my woes is the radio band T mobile/American networks is using out here. My phone hates it! Oh, and Sabines phone credit is used up. Nearly completely used up on receiving text messages and phone calls. RECEIVING them.